Risk Services is committed to providing a comprehensive safe driving program for UC Santa Cruz employees. The goals of the Driver Safety Program are to increase awareness of guidelines for the safe use of University vehicles, and to provide a driving training program with safe driving information.
Driver Safety Program
Overview
Fleet & Transit sponsors a “Safe Driver” Awareness Program for employees who drive a University vehicle in order to perform their job duties. This program educates drivers on defensive driving techniques, consequences of poor driving habits, and the role of individual driver behavior. We are committed to providing safe driving practices and outreach programs to mitigate risk, lower the frequency of vehicular collisions, and reduce campus liability.
SmithSystem Program
SmithSystem is the driver training program used to instruct University drivers on defensive driving best practices and collision avoidance. SmithSystem helps drivers see, think and react to driving challenges in different driving situations and vehicle types.
Training Options
In an effort to protect the University community and assets, the Driver Safety Program is designed to educate and review the California driving fundamentals for University employees and student employees. Through the UC Learning Center drivers can enroll in driver safety training.
*Employees who take the online training are required to pass the review quiz with a 100% score in order to complete the course. System requirements: Internet Explorer must be used for all online courses.
- Defensive Driving Ecourse
- Distracted Driving Ecourse
- Defensive Driving Fundamental Ecourse
- Defensive Driving: Truck Safety Ecourse
Employees who take the online training are required to pass the review quiz with 100% score in order to complete the course.
Additional Info
- SmithSystem 5 Keys to Safety
- Smith System Course Overview
- Driver Safety Training Coordinator (DSTC) User Guide
DMV Pull Notice Program
The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1988 requires that UC Santa Cruz participate in the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program. This program is intended to help employers promote driver safety through ongoing review of the driving records of designated employees. The DMV Pull Notice System notifies the university when driver-employees are convicted of motor vehicle violations and when action is taken against a driver’s license or special certificate holder. This includes incidents that occur while driving both on and off the job.
University employees in driving job classes are required to participate in the EPN program, as well as all other university employees who, in the course of their work:
- Operate a vehicle requiring a Class A or B license,
- Operate a vehicle requiring a special certificate (ambulances, private school bus, farm labor vehicle, special construction equipment, youth bus, vehicle transporting radioactive or hazardous materials, vehicle with tank configuration,
- Are identified by department heads as appropriate for participation in the Pull Notice System based on the requirements of the position to drive while on official university business.
Individuals considered by the university to have a poor driving record or who are considered “negligent” by the DMV cannot be employed as drivers for the university. The university has the right to discontinue to employ a driver or non-select for a position as a driver for individuals who have a sufficiently serious violation or pattern of violations on their DMV records or who are considered “negligent” drivers by the DMV. All departments and managers with employees who are required to participate in EPN must follow the procedures specified in the Employer Pull Notice Procedures.
This monitoring will help to improve campus safety by revealing problem drivers or driving behavior. Each campus driver’s license validity can be verified and it will help to minimize your liability as an employer. Campus departments will be responsible to add new employees and delete employees when they leave the University.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Fleet & Transit is committed to providing safe transportation, ensuring a safe working environment for all employees, and creating a workplace environment free from the adverse effects of drug and alcohol substance abuse or misuse.
In accordance with Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, Fleet & Transit administers a Drug and Alcohol Testing program for commercial drivers performing designated safety-sensitive functions. Testing for the illegal use of alcohol and controlled substances is required for all DOT-covered drivers and applicants for these positions. Non-DOT drivers are also included in this program. See also: University of California Policy on Substance Abuse(link is external).
The following tests are performed:
| TEST TYPE | SCREENING FOR |
| Pre-Employment Testing | Drug |
| Random Testing | Drug & Alcohol |
| Post-Accident Testing | Drug & Alcohol |
| Reasonable Cause | Drug & Alcohol |
| Return to Duty | Drug & Alcohol |
| Follow-Up | Drug & Alcohol |
Fleet & Transit has contracted with First Advantage, a third party vendor, with responsibility for selection, testing, and reporting of drug and alcohol tests for all covered employees.
All tests are conducted at the following certified collection sites:
Doctors on Duty – Santa Cruz
615 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Phone # 831-425-7991
Fax # 831-425-7346
Hours: Mon – Fri 8am to 6pm, Sat & Sun 8am – 2pm
Doctors on Duty – Watsonville
1505 Main St, Watsonville, CA, 95076
Phone # 831-722-1444
Fax # 831-722-4414
Hours: Mon – Fri 8am to 6pm, Sat & Sun 8am – 2pm
Campus departments will be recharged for all costs associated with testing and administration of the program.
Related Links
For Questions
Contact Cindy Delgado at cadelgad@ucsc.edu or 831-459-1787.